Taking the handlebars off an old Apollo

[MickyD]

Howdy,

I'm trying to take the handlebars off a 1985 Apollo Triathlon, and aside from the bolt connecting the stem to the handlebars, there are no spots around the brake levers that can be unscrewed. I've taken the rubber protectors off, even took it to the shop and they didn't know what to do :s. I'd upload some photos but I'm still not sure how to do that here.

Thanks,

Mick

[bychosis]

Pull the levers back to the bars, look into the gap that opens up. Probably a screw or Allen bolt in there.

Don't go back to that bike shop!

[MickyD]

Nothing there that I can see either, I'm afraid. Thanks anyway.

[munga]

squeeze the lever and look inside for an allen head or screw head to undo the lever body from the bars. there is a clamp on the bars which can be removed when you take off all of the handlebar tape.

[Duck!]

Not all brake levers have the access slot in the front like the pictured example, but if it's not a STI-type brifter, where the bolt is accessed externally, it will be this type of arrangement. If you have levers without the allen key access slot, you need to squeeze the lever just the right amount, 'cos otherwise the bolt head will be obscured by the cable head. Also depending on your exact levers, it may require a flat screwriver rather than an allen key to undo.

[KGB]

I think MickyD has some really special levers or someone really special working at his LBS!

[HappyHumber]

I think MickyD has some really special levers or someone really special working at his LBS!

Probably just wanted to sell him a complete new bike, instead.

"Why would you bother with that old thing?"

I've had random LBS people tell me with all sincerity that you can't get loose ball bearings any more.

MickyD : Are you able to take a pic and post it up here for us - just in case the levers are something a little bit left-of-field?

[MickyD]

Sorry for the late ass reply guys. Yeah it was as you guys said, inside the brake levers at a very specific angle with an allen key. Just couldn't see it was all.

And yeah, haha, I don't really trust what the staff tell me much anymore.

Thanks for the help guys!